Blacktop Driveway Cost

Having a general idea about driveway costs will prevent you from shelling out extra money. The article below will give you a low down on what costs are included in getting a black asphalt driveway.

Gardenerdy Staff

Are you thinking of a new driveway, or getting your previous one repaired or relaid? An asphalt-blacktop driveway seems to be a great idea. Asphalt concrete, informally known as blacktop, uses asphalt as a binder, with mineral aggregate mixed in it. It is laid in layers and compacted. It is one of the most common materials used for driveways in the USA. Being durable and reasonably low in maintenance, it is an overall good choice.

Calculating the Cost of a Blacktop Driveway

Factor 1

To get a rough idea about blacktop driveway costs, you would need to measure the total area. This will help you determine the required amount of asphalt. Consider adding an inch or two to the measurements of the area, for giving space to asphalting waste.

Factor 2

Take stock of how big a base you wish to have, and would need to lay below the asphalt driveway. It will be an inch or two deeper, but will occupy a bit lesser area, compared to asphalt.

Factor 3

How deep you want your driveway to be is another factor in calculating the cost. Usually, a 2-inch depth is alright. You have to measure from the ground up if you are getting a completely new one made, by tearing off the existing one.

Factor 4

The type of asphalt is also a major aspect when calculating the expenditure. There is a pure one and a recycled one. The pure asphalt is obviously of a better quality, but a bit expensive. You also have to consider the paving cost while making an estimate.

Factor 5

Finally, the labor and material required will have to be included in the total pricing. The charges per square foot for asphalt will have to be inquired, as far as material is concerned. In this case, consider the charges for gravel as well.

By getting together these factors, you can get a rough figure of the amount of money that you will need to spend.

Cost of Blacktop Driveway

The costs vary from region to region. Generally, traditional, dark black asphalt costs around $1-$5 per square foot. So for a 12x50 feet driveway, it would cost anything between $600-$3,000. The good part is that the price drops per square foot when the area to be made is big. Consequently, if it is a quarter mile driveway, it would average between $21,000-$52000.

If you do not want plain asphalt, you can go in for stamped and colored asphalt. These look like bricks, and cost around $1800-$6,000 for a 12x50 feet driveway. For a quarter mile two-car driveway, it can cost anything between $64,000-$100,000, or even more.

Additional Costs

Apart from those mentioned earlier, there are also additional charges. Any irregularities in the surface where the driveway is going to be built, like slopes, curves, and any other complications, can spike up the total cost. Sometimes, it so happens that exactly these jobs may cost more, as they need extra care, and cannot be done at one go. They have to be specially looked after. In case your old driveway needs to be torn out, just make sure that the estimate includes those charges.

At the end of the day, if you want a reasonably durable and reasonably priced driveway, blacktop asphalt is a good option. Knowing about the cost beforehand would save you from ending up paying excess, due to ignorance.